4 ms·

What about a micrometeoroid?

• pfdietz 2y ago
  The risk with these if they are sufficiently large would be an explosion on impact. This is dealt with by placing a thin barrier in front of the vehicle. The particle explodes on impact with the barrier, cutting a small hole. The debris shoots forward, spreading, and is absorbed on a shield. At 0.01 c, a 1 microgram particle deposits 450 joules of energy. This is called a "Whipple Shield". If necessary, parts of this system could be replaced during the journey.
  • jvanderbot 2y ago
    I just want to be clear that this is all heavily theorized. The density of interstellar space has an assumed ablative rate based on speed of travel, but it wouldn't take much to exceed that. We are at least a few trial runs away from knowing, and that alone makes the prospect of interstellar travel far into the future. (again, repeating my main point)